Overview

The degree aims to enable students to specialise in subjects related to commercial law, equipping them with comprehensive knowledge of the regulatory framework governing the conduct of trade, business and financial services set up by English and international law.

Why study LLM/PGDip/PGCert Commercial Law at Middlesex University?

You will deepen and broaden your knowledge of law as an academic subject through acquiring a systematic understanding of legal processes, methods and concepts, of the social and political context in which legal processes take place, and of appropriate theoretical conceptions of law.

By maximising your academic potential and refining your problem-solving skills in a transnational context by acquiring a systematic and critical understanding of the complex legal, economic, cultural and political issues informing the English and international regulations addressing commercial transactions you will enhance your professional development and horizons.

The research and writing skills you gain will be transferable to a variety of professional sectors, including the legal profession, policymaking, corporate sector, governmental bodies or academia.

The teaching team in the School of Law at Middlesex University includes Dr Scott Morrison, a barrister and leading scholar in finance and banking law, and Dr Lijun Zhao, an expert on international trade law and international maritime law.

Course highlights

This LLM degree introduces students to actual business disputes, exposing them to the changing nature both of commercial disputes and their settlement or resolution

Become conversant with case law, UK, EU and international statute pertinent to the conduct of business, together with trends and new issues arising as a result of both technological and regulatory change

In alternative to litigation, this course familiarises students with the range of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms deployed in business contexts.

Department

Course content

What will you study on the LLM/PGDip/PGCert Commercial Law?

Four core plus two optional modules are completed over terms one and two, with a Dissertation period in term three.

Part-time LLM (2 years, 180 credits)

Four core plus two optional modules are completed over four taught terms, plus a Dissertation period

Two modules in term one, two modules in term two, and two modules in the first term of the following academic year.

PG Diploma (1 year, 120 credits)

Four core plus two optional modules completed over four taught terms

Two modules in term one, two modules in term two, and two modules in the first term of the following academic year.

PG Certificate (60 credits)

Legal Research Skills must be taken in term one, plus two optional modules

Can be completed in one or two academic terms.

For all pathways, attendance may be required during the day and/or evening, depending on your choice of modules.

Modules

Each module is typically worth 20 credits, except the Dissertation, Work Integrated Learning and Practicum in International Organisations modules which are worth 60 credits each. The Work Integrated Learning and Practicum in International Organisations may be chosen to replace the Dissertation with prior agreement.

Not all of the optional modules listed will be available in any one year. Module availability is dependent on staffing and the number of students wishing to take each module.

Core modules

English Commercial Law (20 Credits) - Compulsory

Understand and analyse contemporary issues, legal problems and emergent changes to legislation governing the conduct of trade, business and financial services.

Gain the knowledge necessary to deal with contemporary and emerging challenges in the practise and management of transnational commercial disputes with a focus on the increasing use of arbitration for expediency and cost savings by medium and large-scale enterprises operating in multiple jurisdictions.

Law of the International Sale of Goods (20 Credits) - Compulsory

This module presumes familiarity with the principles of contract law and extends these into the international arena in the field of international sale of goods. It deals with the English law governing trade in wet and dry commodities and international law, principally the United Nations Convention on the International Sale of Goods. It aims to enhance the student's ability to tackle the practical, policy and economic implications of legal regimes enabling trade and transactions between parties divided by or purposely straddling legal and geographic boundaries.

Legal Research Skills (20 Credits) - Compulsory

This module equips students with essential research skills necessary to complete a master's of law successfully, including the technical and conventional systems governing academic writing and the principles and practice followed in legal reasoning.

Plus one of the following:

Dissertation (60 Credits) - Optional

The Dissertation module is taught in term two, and assessed by a 15,000-18,000 dissertation. Students demonstrate expert-level knowledge and advanced-level legal research skills by writing a dissertation paper, supported by a supervisor, on a topic proposed by the student and approved by the module leader, Dr Lughaidh Kerin.

Eligible LLM students can replace this module with the Work Integrated Learning or Practicum in International Organisations module with prior approval.

Practicum in International Organisation (60 Credits) - Optional

This module enables students to undertake work experience in an international organisation for 12 weeks. Examples of organisations where students from Middlesex have completed their placement include the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Building and Woodworkers International global union federation, as well as a range of NGOs and other UN agencies in Geneva.

Students keep a diary of their work documenting the acquisition of transferable skills, plus produce an original 4,000-word academic paper which indicates understanding of the organisation where the placement took place.

Work Integration Learning (60 Credits) - Optional

This module enables students to undertake work experience in an international organisation for 12 weeks. Examples of organisations where students from Middlesex have completed their placement include the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, and the Building and Woodworkers International global union federation, as well as a range of NGOs and other UN agencies in Geneva.

Students keep a diary of their work documenting the acquisition of transferable skills, plus produce an original 4,000-word academic paper which indicates understanding of the organisation where the placement took place.

Plus two of the following optional modules

Business and Human Rights (20 Credits) - Optional

The Bophal disaster, the tragedy of the Niger Delta and the collapse of the Rana Plaza factory are all examples of what appears to be systematic corporate human rights abuses which are not being adequately prevented or remedied. This module enables students to understand how the sub-discipline business and human rights challenges State-centred architecture of international human rights law and delves into the responsibility of non-state actors such as multinational corporations in the area of human rights. It also challenges the idea that only individuals can commit international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes looking into corporate criminal and civil liability for human rights violations.

Comparative Corporate Governance (20 Credits) - Optional

An in-depth look at a range of contemporary issues of EU Law and governance enabling students to critically analyse and evaluate the European Union's institutional structures and methods of integration as well as their underlying tensions.

An in-depth look at a range of contemporary issues of EU Law and governance enabling students to critically analyse and evaluate the European Union's institutional structures and methods of integration as well as their underlying tensions.

Dismissal Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Gain a comprehensive understanding of the common law and statutory principles governing the termination of contracts of employment in the UK.

European Human Rights Law and Practice (20 Credits) - Optional

This module engages students with the legal, political and philosophical perspectives of the legal frameworks, institutions and remedies available to protect fundamental rights in Europe, both under the European Convention on Human Rights and the European Union Charter of Fundamental Rights.

Acquire detailed and wide-ranging knowledge of EU laws on free movement of persons, immigration, asylum and border management, and learn how these laws are implemented in practice.

European Union Law in Action (20 Credits) - Optional

Gain an advanced knowledge and understanding of the European Union's policy and legislative making processes, and the mechanism and tools by which the European Union seeks to promote participatory democracy. Attractive to students interested in making an impact on the contemporary and controversial policy and legislative issues governed by the EU.

Foundations and Principles of International Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Enable students to analyse, critically evaluate and provide authoritative commentary on how international law impacts international relations and contemporary concerns such as globalisation, the use of armed force, terrorism, poverty, governance and the regulation of ownership over territory.

Individual Employment Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Focus on contractual employment relationships and the practical impact of the statutory rights on the operation of employment relationships in the UK.

Intellectual Property Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Equips students with systematic understanding of the relevant national and international regimes governing intellectual property focusing on English and EU law including case law, as well as the measures specified by the agreements on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).

International Criminal Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Develop an understanding of the international body of law prohibiting international crimes viewed as atrocities (genocide, crimes against humanity, aggression and war crimes) and to make perpetrators criminally accountable for their perpetration under national and international jurisdictions.

International Human Rights Law (20 Credits) - Optional

International Humanitarian Law (20 Credits) - Optional

International Maritime Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Equips students with detailed knowledge and understanding of English and international normative frameworks regulating the carriage of goods by sea and the laws governing maritime causalities and their aftermath, such as collision, oil pollution, salvage and general average.

International Migration and the Law (20 Credits) - Optional

Develop advanced knowledge and understanding of the main international law instruments migration and their relationship with UK domestic laws.

International Organisations and the International Dispute Resolution (20 Credits) - Optional

Get advanced conceptual insights into the legal, political and structural issues that underpin dispute resolution within international organisations through a thematic focus on issues such as labour, trade, title to territory and international peace and security. You will learn to think strategically about different means of settlement of disputes and their applicability to existing or potential conflicts.

International Whistleblowing Law and Practice (20 Credits) - Optional

Gain an understanding of the different legal approaches to protecting whistleblowers and the theories used to explain why some people choose to whistleblow while others remain silent.

Law and Policy of the World Trade Organisation (20 Credits) - Optional

This module is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of global trade regimes through an overview of globalisation and contemporary international economic relations; the regulation of international trade by the WTO; and the relationship between international trade, harmonisation of the law and trade-related issues.

Minority Rights and Indigenous People in International Law (20 Credits) - Optional

This module enables students to understand, analyse and comment upon the international law framework on minority rights and indigenous peoples under the United Nations, American, European, African and Asian systems, assessing their efficacy in dealing with violations.

UK and European Anti-Discrimination (20 Credits) - Optional

Understand, analyse and asses the relevant regulations at national and European level governing discrimination as well as the practical, historical, social, economic, ethical and philosophical context in which these operate.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How will the LLM/PGDip/PGCert Commercial Law be taught?

You will gain knowledge and understanding through a stimulating combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, professional internships and self-directed studies and use a variety of resources, including audio-visual media, library books and e-learning materials.

Lectures, seminars and presentations are used to communicate core information, develop themes and ideas, and seek to encourage student participation through interactive exercises and opportunities for peer and self-assessment. You will also be required to engage in intensive programmes of structured reading and research, and to present your findings orally and in writing.

Skills training, particularly through our Legal Research Skills module, will equip you with the intellectual tools necessary for postgraduate work, including the identification and location of appropriate materials, critical and analytical reading, writing skills and conventions.

Several sessions within each module and a substantial part of the Dissertation are designed to provide guidance on identifying a suitable research question, carrying out research, writing a literature review and planning and writing a dissertation.

Learning and teaching on all modules is informed by a critical approach that encompasses relevant aspects of the ethical, social, professional, historical and cultural contexts within which the law operates. Ethics are specifically embedded in some modules and students are provided with the opportunity to understand the ethical dimensions of their own research and within which the law operates at each level.

Eligible students who enrol on the Practicum in International Organisations or Work Integrated Learning modules will engage with decision makers in our partner organisations and develop new skills in research, writing, IT and networking.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

The University's standard entry requirement consists of a Law degree at 2:2 or Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE

Graduates in related disciplines, with law minors or with relevant professional experience or qualifications may be admitted subject to the programme leader's discretion

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

We accept the equivalent of the below qualifications from a recognised overseas qualification.

The University's standard entry requirement consists of a Law degree at 2:2 or Graduate Diploma in Law/CPE

Graduates in related disciplines, with law minors or with relevant professional experience or qualifications may be admitted subject to the programme leader's discretion

If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest Regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our Visas and immigration page for further information.

International students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. If you are on any other visa for the duration of study, please contact our admissions team to discuss possibilities of studying on a part-time basis.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). We also normally require Grade C GCSE or an equivalent qualification. Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications.

International students who require a Tier 4 Student Visa to progress on a course at Middlesex University must apply for study on a full-time basis. If you are on any other visa for the duration of study, please contact our admissions team to discuss possibilities of studying on a part-time basis.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the LLM/PGDip/PGCert Commercial Law support your career?

Students considering careers in law and in the court-based approach to litigation and the settlement of disputes will be well served by this LLM. Such careers include in-house legal departments and external legal representation of companies and organisations. In addition, students seeking a career in alternative dispute resolution, whether as arbitrators or as counsel representing parties to arbitration, or those working in businesses or other organisations seeking assistance from ADR service providers, will find this LLM of great benefit.

As well as access to the University's Employability Service students are offered specialist advice by the Programme Leader and other contributors to the programme, including guidance on how to enter and pass recruitment processes for national and international organisations. Students have access to the support services offered by the Clinical Legal Education programme and are invited to attend career-focused workshops, skills sessions and events. Our team of world renowned lecturers will provide the latest thinking and practice on legal issues. Our students benefit from their considerable network of contacts and connections within their sectors, notably for internship opportunities within international and domestic organisations, such as the United Nations, our on-campus litigation centre, the European Human Rights Advocacy Centre (EHRAC), the Legal Advice Centre, and a range of local companies providing professional legal services.

Life at Middlesex

Staff profiles

Dr Scott Morrison, Senior Lecturer in Law, is currently engaged in research concerning the development and regulation of Islamic finance and investment, His principal research interests deal with capital markets, corporate finance, fixed income securities, structured financial instruments and securitisation, and banking law at home and abroad. You can find out more about his work and research on his staff profile.

Dr Elvira Dominguez-Redondo, Programme Leader for all LLM courses, is actively engaged in improving human rights around the world, including working to protect human rights defenders in Mexico and leading the creation of the first LLM in Human Rights In Iraq, at Duhok University, Kurdistan. You can find out more about her work and research as well as her contact details, should you wish to discuss any aspect of the LLM programmes, by visiting her staff profile.

Student profiles

During this course, you will have the opportunity to participate on the Practicum in International Organisations. Fernanda spent six months working for the international migrant observatory, MOAS. Here's what she had to say about her experience and how it impacted on her studies at Middlesex University:

The experience supported my studies by giving me an international outlook and it helped me in the transition from student to professional. It is often difficult to get an internship or entry-level job and the Practicum gave me the guidance I needed to begin my career.

Middlesex University will be hosting a Postgraduate event for all current Undergraduate students to inform them about the options they have for further study with MDX and what unique incentives they may take advantage of as current MDX students. Please find all the details below and a banner attached.
The event details are as follows:
Event Title: Postgraduate Information Evening
Event Start Date: 26/2/2018
Event Location: C211, College Building
Event Summary: Postgraduate information evening for current MDX students
Event Description:
Attend an exclusive event for current students to find out more about PG courses, scholarships and loans on Monday 26 February from 5:30pm in C211, College building. There will be an opportunity to speak with staff and current postgraduate students, who will be able to answer your questions about studying for a master’s degree.
Students must register to attend prior to the event at bit.ly/2GSfh0A